Always striving to be transparent and sincere as I learn what the Love of God truly means. "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15)

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Truth: Five Minute Friday

Okay, I just noticed it's been a month since I've contributed to the linkup. Wow. And the journey has been wild in the in-between.But tonight's prompt, "Truth" was too good to stay back from.Also, my middle school students have been away at outdoor school which has given me a little more creative energy to pour out into the atmosphere. I have been painting their hallway all week!

The reason that "truth" is so important, is that it is the key ingredient of trust. If somebody is not truthful, they are not to be trusted. Whether this is in a work relationship, a parent-child relationship, or a regular person-to-person relationship, we don't wish to be lied to.(Alright, except for vanity. Tell me I still look young and beautiful and I will probably appreciate the compliment)

It says that we shall know the truth and the truth will set us free. Free from what? What lie have we listened to?

Hint, it's in the book of Genesis.4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

This was the lie. That because we were made in the image of God, we believed we could be "like" God.And this is the struggle in our hearts that is the root of all sin. We want to be like God. We want to be God. We want the control, the power, the steering wheel in our lives.We don't want pain, discomfort, suffering, poverty, cancer, or anything else we deem "bad". We like to see others get what they deserve. (This is a painful truth. But, since the theme is truth, I'll call it out)We, however, never want to get what we deserve.

The last time I looked, I really couldn't control anything. And it's been freeing to realize this, though not easy to learn. You see, when the power rests in God's hands, so does the responsibility!We get to lean on His grace and mercy which surpass our frazzled feelings and emotions. We get to smile and graciously forgive when we'd rather breathe fire and return the wounding a little (or a lot).

Oh the little things that could stir us up, but He is quietly whispering to us, "come, hide in the shelter of my wings. I will protect you and keep you from being battered by this storm. You'll get wet, but you won't drown!"

Listen, dear ones, for He is speaking the Truth. He is and was and always will be. So, why not realize He is and was and always will be in control? And you don't have to be?! :)

Love,Tammy

P.S. Please include your linkup number in your comments. I'd love to see your thoughts on the "truth".

Susan, and perhaps this Facebook connection has been part of why I didn't realize it had been an entire month! :) When I'm reading all of the other posts and commenting, I still feel connected and sometimes don't realize I haven't actually submitted anything myself.Thanks for being here!Love,Tammy

:) Anita, I just love you!It's the remembering to ask that I sometimes am struggling with. I'll be at the point of exhaustion and then it dawns on me that I haven't asked for help!Love you and love that you're here!-Tammy

I definitely relate to the struggle for control but it's true, there is a freedom when we can let go and hand the responsibility over to God. I think I'm gradually learning to do that. And I agree, truth is really important for a trusting relationship. I'm at #12.

Yes, I am learning about wanting control where I never thought I did. Now it s all being taken away and I am learning in between the panic and freaking out moments. We say we want truth sometimes until We get it. Then we want to cover it with the comfortable lie. Thanks for this beautiful post. #38 this week.

Mary, and those moments are indeed difficult! I did the "one word" challenge several years in a row and my first one was "trust". That was a rough and rocky year, but looking back was a turning point! The next year was "joy". Then "humble". This year is "courage".Can't wait to see what comes next!Love,Tammy

I love so much of what you shared. It' true. Before we trust someone, we need to know they are truthful. Although my kids are struggling with truthfulness, at least sometimes, I am so thankful to be the daughter of a God who is completely truthful and utterly trustworthy.